Thursday, January 17, 2013

Toxic Poisons in Your Home



Modern conveniences make your life easier but may create health hazards in your home.

There is a situation called “off-gassing” or “out-gassing” where gases are released from solid materials in your home. Some of this solid material may actually have been used in the construction of your house. Carpets, cabinets, paint, mattresses, insulation, flooring materials, countertops, particle board, and cleaning supplies all add to the accumulation of gaseous airborne particulates that may be affecting the health of you and your family.

The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that out-gas inside your house may cause eye, nose, and/or throat irritation as well as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and cause (or worsen) asthma-like symptoms. Long-term exposure to VOCs can cause life threatening disorders such as liver and/or kidney damage, central nervous system damage as well as increase the risk of developing cancer.



Unfortunately, the deleterious effects of VOCs are most pronounced in the young, elderly, and with debilitated people confined inside their house.

Another potential source of poisons in your home can be found in the highly efficient fluorescent light bulbs that are supposedly environmentally friendly. However, while these bulbs reduce electricity consumption they also contain mercury and must be disposed of at an approved recycling facility or toxic waste dump. Do not simply throw these types of bulbs into your household trash.

If one of these mercury-containing bulbs should break inside your house the building automatically becomes a hazardous waste site requiring professional clean-up. As soon as the bulb breaks everyone should leave the house to avoid exposure to air-borne mercury. One study demonstrated that when these types of light bulbs are in use they out-gas an invisible toxic haze of carcinogenic (cancer causing) toxins such as phenol, naphthalene, and styrene.

Regardless of the source of out-gassed toxins you can minimize your exposure to them by taking advantage of good weather and opening your house windows. Proper ventilation will help expel these potentially health depleting toxins from your home.


If you have more questions about our services, contact us at 410-256-9650 or sign-up at www.phcpt.com for a free consultation! 

Perry Hall Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

8817 Belair Road 

Perry Hall, MD 21236

410-256-9650




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